China pleased at failed Taiwan UN vote

China has welcomed political developments in Taiwan, highlighting a failed referendum on the country seeking United Nations membership.

China is yet to comment on the landslide win by opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou in the weekend's election, but it has welcomed the failure of a referendum backed by outgoing president Chen Shui-bian.

Along with the presidential vote, electors were asked whether they supported Taiwan seeking UN membership in its own name - something that Beijing has warned would be tantamount to a declaration of independence.

But the proposition failed to meet the required 50 per cent voter participation rate.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office has told reporters in Beijing that the failure of the referendum shows Taiwan's people do not support those who promote independence.

Hsieh out of spotlight

Taiwan's ruling party chief is keeping a low profile after his crushing defeat, amid question marks over his political future.

Television showed Frank Hsieh, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), being quietly whisked away from his residence in Taipei in a limousine early this morning.

It was not immediately clear where he was headed.

Reporters crowded into Mr Hsieh's campaign headquarters amid suggestions he would resign as the party chief.

Shortly after his defeat on Saturday night, he told supporters he would abide by his promise to retire from political life if he lost.

"But I will not leave Taiwan, and will continue safeguarding Taiwan and democracy," he said in his concession speech, leaving his options open.